The USA won the Ryder Cup last night with a degree of comfort but the biggest winner was probably the event itself. Declining TV audiences in the US, no doubt forced lower by three consecutive losses to Europe meant that the US victory was badly needed to perk up interest.
The tournament returns to Europe, and Paris in two years time and with the timeframe suiting US fans much worse than the return fixture for Europeans, it was important that there was a perceived level of greater competition.
The quality of golf was exceptional with Phil Mickelson and Sergio Garcia in particular showing that the old guard has plenty to offer in their halved match.
The branding of the course and temporary facilities in vivid red made it stand out, particularly with the autumnal colours coming into season but it is likely the American audience would have tuned out if Europe had been as dominant as they have been in recent years.
The ‘danger of another comeback like four years ago never looked likely and while Sky’s commentary team sought to inject an lament of tension the scoreboard was always telling a story that eventually produced the comprehensive 17-11 victory for the hosts.
That so much of the commentary through the three days centred on the US crowd’s reaction will have had a variety of sports fans shaking their heads. Single shouts against opposing players were greeted by ejection from the course, something that would raise an eyebrow to anyone playing soccer or into Hill 16 in Gaelic football where ‘generally’ good natured support comes part and parcel with opposition for the opposition.
The Ryder Cup anyway took its place as the lead item in sport in the New York Times, this morning, and third item in the Los Angeles Times. It barely merited a mention in the Washington Post but it was a fight back for the sport and will be pleasing to the PGA and the sponsors that were signed up for the Ryder Cup.
Carr Golf is hosting a special lunch at the Shelbourne Hotel on Friday where Richard Hills, Managing Director of Ryder Cup Europe will be the guest of honour to reflect on the tournament.
Shane Lowry will be reflecting on Europe’s performance and no doubt on his absence from the line up as one of the keynote interviews at One Zero, the global sports and technology conference debuting at Dublin’s RDS on Friday October 21st.
Sport for Business’ Coverage of the Business of Golf is in partnership with Carr Golf – Experts in the Business of Golf
